How Women Legislate

Sue Thomas

The most comprehensive study to date of the effects women have had on legislation and the lawmaking process, this text analyzes the differences between women's and men's backgrounds before entering public office, as well as differences in their agendas, priorities, working styles, and leadership once they are in office. Arguing that there is a significant difference in legislative outcomes when the number of women in a given legislature reaches a certain threshold, the author provides one of the first analyses of the overall effects of women on the laws that are passed and on the way legislative business is done.

How Women Legislate

Sue Thomas

Description

The number of women in public office increased dramatically in recent elections, especially in state legislatures where one-fifth of the seats are now held by women. How Women Legislate offers a uniquely comprehensive and timely study of the effects women have had on legislation and the lawmaking process, analyzing the differences between women's and men's backgrounds before entering public office, and differences in their agendas, priorities, working styles, and leadership once they are in office. Arguing that there is a significant difference in legislative outcomes when the number of women in a given legislature reaches a certain threshold, the author provides one of the first analyses of the overall effects of women on the laws that are passed and on the way legislative business is done.

How Women Legislate

Sue Thomas

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Expectations and Natures2. The Procedural Question: Reform or Adapt?3. Legislative Products: The Influence of Women4. The Nature of Support5. The Context of Institutional Change6. The Impact of Women7. Predictions for the Future